Pan-Seared Chicken with Citrus and Sumac Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-seared and finished with a bright, tangy citrus and sumac glaze that enhances the savory flavor. This Middle Eastern-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, sumac powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp sumac powder.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on one side until golden brown and edges turn crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken breasts and add 2 minced garlic cloves directly to the pan; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp honey in a small bowl, then pour over the chicken. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, spooning the glaze over the chicken for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken to a plate, spoon the glaze from the pan over the top, and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Citrus and Sumac Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Citrus and Sumac Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Citrus and Sumac Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken with Citrus and Sumac Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken with Citrus and Sumac Glaze?

Middle Eastern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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